Crown Social gains AA rosettes just 2 months after opening

THE Crown Social restaurant at The Parc by Thistle in Cardiff has been awarded two prestigious AA rosettes by the association’s independent restaurant inspectors just two months from its opening.

The contemporary, city centre restaurant; a joint venture between Thistle Hotels and Monmouthshire-based Crown Hotels & Restaurants, is headed up by former Michelin-accredited celebrity chef Martin Blunos.

Crown Hotels & Restaurants also have the Michelin star Crown at Whitebrook, near Monmouth and the three AA rosettes Crown at Celtic Manor Resort, in their stable

Martin Blunos and his team, including Sous Chef Lance Keirle, were praised by the AA inspector for their ‘fine cooking’ and were awarded a standout score of 92% for their dishes.

The inspector particularly enjoyed Crown Social’s unique ‘sharing’ concept; whereby diners are encouarged to sample different tasting plates together. The restaurant’s use of fresh and local produce throughout the menu; a contemporary take on traditional Welsh dishes, was also highly praised.

The Parc by Thistle was also awarded an impressive AA merit score of 85% and retained its 4 star rating. In particular, the staff scored highly in the service category, achieving an overall service score of 90% and attaining the maximum 5 star qualifier rating.

Johnny Davies, Director of the Monmouthshire-based Crown Hotels & Restaurants, said: “ “The two AA rosettes are very well deserved recognition for Martin Blunos and his entire Crown Social team who have all worked extremely hard first to create the Crown Social and then deliver this superb dining experience. Crown Social now stands even more proudly alongside our existing fine dining restaurants; our Michelin star Crown at Whitebrook, near Monmouth and our three AA rosette Crown at Celtic Manor.”

Darren Patt, Regional Operations Director, Thistle Hotels, comments: “Being awarded two rosettes so soon after opening is a fantastic achievement for Crown Social and a true recognition of all the hard work and dedication that has gone into making the restaurant a success. Martin’s excellent menu coupled with the city centre location of The Parc by Thistle make it the ideal destination for those looking for a fine dining experience in the Welsh Capital.”

The Parc by Thistle’s General Manager, Richard O’Riordan comments: “The whole team and I are thrilled to have been awarded such a high honour so soon after the Crown Social’s opening. Since our launch night, the people of Cardiff have shown a real interest in what the restaurant has to offer as a different dining concept- now that we’ve been awarded these two rosettes, we hope to entice even more people through our doors and bring further success to the Parc by Thistle.”